What led me to Kitsilano Family Law

My name is Isa Nafissi, and I am a second-year law student at the Peter Allard School of Law at UBC. This past summer, I had the opportunity to work as a summer student at Kitsilano Family Law, where I gained hands-on experience by supporting the lawyers on various cases.

My journey into family law began during my Bachelor of Social Work, where my practicum at a pro-bono legal clinic sparked my interest in law. Though I had little exposure to the law, I quickly became aware of the challenges individuals face in the family law system– particularly the emotional and financial toll.

After graduating, I worked as a Family Law Advocate for over two years, assisting immigrants and newcomers who were self-representing themselves in the family law system. Working closely with these clients opened my eyes to the complexities of the law, especially when there were international issues involved. I was fortunate to have Clea Amundsen, a lawyer at Kitsilano Family Law, as my supervising lawyer guiding me through the intricacies of this area. Her mentorship was instrumental in shaping my career path and approach to family law.

My Learning Experience at KFL

During my time at Kitsilano Family Law, I quickly realized that this firm is a bit different from the usual family law practice. As a boutique firm, we specialize in international and inter-jurisdictional family law, which means that many of the cases we handled were cross borders. One of the key areas I had the chance to observe are cases under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. These cases are some of the most complex and emotionally charged I have ever encountered, requiring not only legal expertise but also a deep sensitivity to the families involved.

What really stood out to me was the firm’s approach to resolving disputes. The lawyers here are strong believers in mediation and negotiation. Rather than rushing into litigation, they work hard to help families reach agreements that are fair and workable for everyone involved. It is clear that for the lawyers, it’s about finding solutions that minimize conflict and help families move forward in a positive way. This approach resonated with me because it aligns with my belief that legal processes should support rather than escalate the difficult situations that families are already facing.

The scope of work at Kitsilano Family Law is incredibly broad and diverse. I had the chance to see how the lawyers handled everything from parenting arrangements and support issues to more challenging situations, like cases involving family violence and the safety of children. Property division is another significant area we cover, sometimes involving complex cases where family businesses and foreign assets are part of the equation.

The Work Environment

On my first day, I braced myself for a high-stress environment straight out of Suits– lawyers furiously working away, coming together only when they had the rare moment to spare. However, to my surprise, the reality was quite different. Instead of a pressure-cooker atmosphere, I found myself in a collaborative and supportive work environment that was refreshing, and inspiring, making me rethink my career expectations.

The significant level of teamwork among the lawyers and support staff was evident from day one. Collaboration is a key part of the process, with the team frequently coming together to discuss files, brainstorm strategies, and share their insights. This teamwork is not just a formality– it is integral to how cases are handled. Lawyers often consult one another for a fresh pair of eyes to ensure that every angle of the case is considered. This ultimately creates a sense of collective responsibility where each person’s contribution is recognized and, in turn, each victory is shared.

Even during the most intense periods when there is an important hearing, an urgent matter, or an unexpected challenge, the work environment remains calm and composed. The team always makes space for fun moments and encourages a healthy work-life balance making for a positive and sustainable workplace.

Notably, there is also a strong sense of mentorship at Kitsilano Family Law, not only towards myself but also between the lawyers. The more experienced lawyers often provide guidance and feedback, which creates an atmosphere that encourages ongoing learning.

My Takeaways

Over the past three months, I have gained several important takeaways that have shaped my approach to family law and my future career.

One of the key takeaways is the importance of approaching each case holistically. I learned that family law is not just about resolving legal issues; it’s about addressing the full spectrum of a client’s needs with consideration to the broader context of their lives whether it be financial, emotional, or other factors that come into play. It reinforced that being a good family lawyer involves more than just knowing the law– it requires understanding and responding to the complexities of family dynamics.

Another key takeaway is the importance of adaptability, particularly in the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of family law. Whether it is managing an unexpected development in a case, getting served with an application during an already hectic week, or simply shifting strategies to better align with client goals, flexibility is crucial.

Lastly, but arguably the most important takeaway from my experience is the impact of having a supportive and sustainable work environment. The collaborative nature and emphasis on well-being at Kitsilano Family Law made me excited to come into the office every day to see what the day had in store. This dynamic showed me that a positive work culture is not just a bonus, it is a fundamental ingredient in the vision that I have for my future law career.

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Author: Isa Nafissi